Centres should also make sure they identify potential risks relating to the administration and management of exams so they can decide what measures to take to prevent and manage these risks.

You can use this risk management template to log any potential risks you have identified. The template can also help you start discussions with colleagues about the risks that might apply to your centre.

Planning for exams

When you are planning for exams, including vocational qualifications, make sure you:

Put together a calendar of important administrative dates, including awarding organisation’s deadlines for making exam entries - you can find these dates on the JCQ website and the awarding organisation websites.

Identify any students that may require special access arrangements and put any necessary arrangements in place.

Make sure you include the exams officer in internal meetings and communications.

Making entries and avoiding late fees

You should make exam entries to the awarding organisations on time. Late entries may result in fees.

You should:

Refer to your calendar of important dates to make sure you are aware of the awarding organisations’ deadlines for exams entries.

Communicate deadlines to members of staff so you can collect all the information you need well in advance of the exam entry deadlines.

Running results day

Training

It is good practice to conduct a review of your exam centre’s performance every year so you can improve and make possible savings on late exam fees. You may want to use this exams office review template.

Make sure you include your exams officer in any inset days and professional development activities taking place in your centre.

Support and advice

To keep up to date with information on reforms, training and the support available to you, visit JCQ, Ofqual and awarding organisations’ websites often. Sign up to any newsletters or email alerts they might offer.

You can also get advice from other centres or exams officer network groups in your local area.

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